Biography
He started out as most did, as an Extra, only to start showing some promise (Master Of The Flying Guillotine) and move on bigger (though, not always better) roles. Eventually, he assisted Tommy Lee as a Fight Choreographer on a number of kung-fu films (Challenge Of Death, Fatal Needles, Fatal Fists, and Green Jade Statuette), as well as, appearing in them. Though he's played heroic parts, he's excelled in mostly villainous roles, such as the excellent Shaolin Invincible Sticks and Phantom Kung Fu, working along side Chang Yi.
His appearance in Chen Kuan-Tai's, The Big Boss Of Shanghai, saw him in his transformation, from the "Happy-go-lucky" good guy, into a conivving killer, who (eventually) turned his back on his friends (even killing one). It was this role, that he began to demonstrate his acting (and fighting) skill, in a much better light. Yet, I think, Lo Wei, had more to do with him, trying to act like Jackie Chan, in the comedy, The Four Hands Of Death. This film, was proof, that Comedy was not his bag.
His appearance in Chen Kuan-Tai's, The Big Boss Of Shanghai, saw him in his transformation, from the "Happy-go-lucky" good guy, into a conivving killer, who (eventually) turned his back on his friends (even killing one). It was this role, that he began to demonstrate his acting (and fighting) skill, in a much better light. Yet, I think, Lo Wei, had more to do with him, trying to act like Jackie Chan, in the comedy, The Four Hands Of Death. This film, was proof, that Comedy was not his bag.
Mostly playing in co-starring roles, he's been in numerous film classics. He was given a chance to prove himself in the film The Rebellious Reign (possibly, his best starring role). He didn't let us down acting or action-wise, but, someone "dropped-the-ball", because, we never got to see him featured, in more roles like this. When he didn't make it as a major kung-fu star, he left for the United States. After he returned, he did a 360-degree turn and started playing villains, exclusively. This decision led to him having a new and more exciting career in many of the Modern Action (New Wave) films.